Gasthof Auerhahn
The Auerhahn’s cozy, rustic dining room rates a red toque in Gault Millau. The seasonal menu features contemporary Austrian and Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh fish. For dessert, try the famous Topfenknödel, a light, warmed dumpling made from curd cheese, nicely offset by a cool, slightly sharp cranberry puree. A four-course menu is €34, and five-courses cost €44. Prices are €54/67 with wine pairings. A la carte main dishes are €18-22.
Contact: Gasthof Auerhahn, A-5020 Salzburg, Bahnhofstrasse 15, tel. +41/0662/451 052, fax 451 0523, hotel@auerhahn-salzburg.at, www.auerhahn-salzburg.at
Rating: Quality 15/20, Value 14/20

Alt Salzburg
Enjoy quality cooking in an Old World environment featuring dark vaulted ceiling, red velvet seating, gilded mirrors and other Baroque touches. Dinner reservations advised.
Contact: Bürgerspitalgasse 2, tel. +43/662/8414760
Rating: Quality 15/20, Value 12/20

Stadtkrug
Attached to the hotel of the same name, this restaurant specializes in fresh fish and a full selection of Austrian dishes and wines.
Contact: Linzergasse 20, tel. +43/662/873545
Rating: Quality 13/20, Value 13/20

Hangouts

At Hotel-Restaurant Gablerbräu, (Linzergasse 9, tel. +41/0662/88965), on the right bank, not far from the Hotel Trumer Stube, the light Kaiser beer vom Fass goes down easily but the food is several notches below the Auerhahn.

Alter Fuchs (Linzergasse 47/49, tel. 882200) is a right bank, below-street-level, gathering spot for the under-40 crowd. This is a lively spot, but friendly and under control.
Not far from the Hotel Jedermann, Die Weisse (Rupertgasse 10, tel. 72246) is a rambling old brewpub specializing in wheat beer.

Near Salzburg

Gasthof Schorn
If hotels in Salzburg’s Zentrum are fully booked or too pricey, Gasthof Schorn is an inexpensive and charming alternative eight kilometers  south of the city at the Salzburg-Süd-Grödig exit on the Autobahn toward Hallein. There are 16 recently refurbished double rooms all equipped with private toilet and shower or tub, direct-dial phone, satellite TV, and balcony. Breakfast is buffet style and parking is free for guests.
The hotel is done in the style of the region, with elaborate frescoes both inside and out. The massive, church-like dining room has a domed ceiling, marble floors, concrete pillars, and arched side galleries. It is a lively local favorite, mostly because of what comes out of the kitchen; heaping plates of hearty, delectable food delivered by traditionally dressed servers.
Contact: Gasthof Schorn, St. Leonhardstrasse 1, A-5083 St. Leonhard-Grödig, tel. +43/06246/72334, fax 72334-40, info@gasthofschorn.at, www.gasthofschorn.at
Daily Rates: Doubles €76-86
Rating: Quality 11/20, Value 16/20
Rest. Rating: Quality 14/20, Value 18/20

Schloss Haunsperg
This all-time Gemütlichkeit favorite, an eight-room bed-and-breakfast in a 14th-century country manor house with beautiful period furniture, is just 10 minutes south of Salzburg. The von Gernerth family’s welcome is as warm as any in Austria. Haunsperg is easy to find. Go south from Salzburg on the A10, exit at Hallein, then come back north toward Oberalm. You will see signs to the hotel which is west of the Autobahn and east of the Salzach. Treat yourself.
Daily Rates: Doubles €135-170
Contact: Schloss Haunsperg, Hammerstrasse 32, Oberalm Bei Hallein (outside of Salzburg), A-5411, tel. +43/06245/80 662, fax 85 680, info@schlosshaunsperg.com, www.schlosshaunsperg.com
Rating: Quality 16/20, Value 18/20